1870 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle PCGS AU55+ (CAC) Ex. Fairmont Collection

This issue is considered an underrated rarity among the entire Liberty Head half eagle series. Despite its mintage of 4,000 pieces, today less than 100 examples are available to the specialist and collector. That is due mostly to contemporary collectors in the 1870s avoiding circulation strike pieces from the Philadelphia Mint in favor of the yearly proof offerings. Gold specialist David Akers writes, “The 1870 is just as rare as the 1869 even though its mintage is more than twice as great. Most known specimens are in the VF to EF range and AU examples are very rare.” In fact, it is a greater rarity than the highly sought 1870-CC and 1870-S half eagles.

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this rarity was struck in 1870.

PCGS has graded only 2 examples as AU55+ with 9 finer. The finest among PCGS-graded specimens is MS61 (3 pieces). Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $10,000.00 in AU55+. In CAC, there are 3 in AU55/55+ with just 2 finer. This rare piece offers deep orange hues, with slight hints of mint luster found in the protected areas of the coin. There is some slight wear in Miss Liberty’s hair details; however, the stars, devices, and eagle remain well-defined. This piece will be cherished by its new owner for many years to come.